13 Best Printer For Screen Printing Transparencies | Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

There is no need to hire a company to do this job when you can print transparency films by yourself. Yes, you read that right; screen printing can be done easily with transparent paper and an inkjet printer. 

However, the market is flooded with screen printing devices, and you may find it difficult to find the best printer for screen printing transparency. Remember to look for a product that can give you the best image quality without consuming too much ink. 

Now we were facing a similar problem, and we decided to do extensive research to find the best printer for printing transparencies. In this guide, you will find a list of the ten best options for printing transparencies. We have also added a buyer’s guide to help you make the right choice. 

So, dive in to know all about them. 

Best Printers For Screen Printing Transparencies

Whether you are a professional screen printer or a DIY enthusiast, this list will help you find the perfect printer for your transparency printing requirements. So, without further ado, here's the list of the 13 best printers for screen printing transparency.

1. HP ENVY Wireless All-in-One Printer - Best for Versatility

If you are looking for a printer that can be used to print and scan from anywhere, then the HP ENVY 6055 Wireless All-in-One Printer is the perfect choice. It can be connected to the HP app, and you can connect, scan, copy, and print on transparency films from your smartphone itself. 

Why Did We Like It?

This product is known for its all-in-one versatility as it can be used for two-sided printing. It can print, scan, and copy in high resolution. Also, you can print borderless documents and photos along with transparency films. 

Moving on, it is very easy to set up with the HP Smart App. All you need to do is download the app, and it will guide you through all the processes. It will also connect to the WiFi and enable the printer to be connected to all the other smart devices at home. That is not all, it features self-healing WiFi that allows the entire family to stay connected to the system at once. 

Moreover, it has a printing speed of ten ppm for black and white printing and seven ppm for colored ones. The device can be used with transparent paper, making it an excellent option for those interested in screen printing. 

What Could've Been Better?

While most printers have power buttons placed in the front for easy use, this one has it placed behind. This can be slightly problematic for some people as they may need to move the printer every time they want to operate the device. 

2. Epson EcoTank Color Printer - Best for Cost Efficiency

We know that ink cartridges can be expensive, and you may be looking for an affordable solution. The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Color Printer can come to your rescue and provide you with low-cost replacement bottles. Now, you can save almost 90% of the ink cost without compromising on print quality.

Why Did We Like It?

The product can be used to print transparencies and is known for versatile paper handling. It can print vibrant pictures up to 13 x 19 inches on transparency films via a rear-feed tray, and it can scan 8. 5" x 14" via ADF. Just remember to place plain paper below the transparency paper while loading. 

Moreover, the pack contains the printer, a power cord, and a bottle of black, cyan, yellow, and magenta ink. We were happy to find a CD with all the product setup instructions. Just watch it, and you should be able to set up the printer easily. 

Also, the ink provided can print 6000 color pages and 7,500 pages with just black ink. Also, each replacement bottle is equivalent to 80 cartridges making this a very cost-effective option. 

What Could've Been Better?

While we do not have complaints about the printing quality or the printing speed, we should tell you that the printer can be noisy. So, if you are planning to print at night, then it is best to do it in a room that is away from the bedroom. Other than this, we had a hassle-free printing experience. 

3. Canon Wireless All-In-One Printer - Best for Mobile Compatibility

With the Canon TS5120 Wireless All-In-One Printer, you can print from any tablet or mobile phone with Google Cloud and Airprint compatibility. Enjoy great quality and quick printing on transparency sheets with this excellent option. Adding to the benefits, it can easily fit on your small desk or table. 

Why Did We Like It?

First of all, we will discuss OS compatibility. This is an all-in-one printer that works with Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.10.5- macOS v10.12 (Sierra). Also, it can connect with different mobile operating systems like Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire devices, as well as Windows 10 mobile phones. 

Moving on, the product can connect with all the devices in the house and can be used by the entire family, thanks to the built-in WiFi. Also, it can switch on and off automatically, and you do not have to worry about leaving it on for a long time. On top of it, it offers a document removal reminder so that you do not lose the original while creating copies. 

What Could've Been Better?

This inkjet printer has a flimsy feed tray, and we were always afraid that it might break. Hence, we needed to place the printer on a larger base, which provided the tray with more support. Keep this in mind while working, and you should not face any further issues. 

4. HP Envy Wireless All-in-One Photo Printer - Best for Duplex Printing

If you are looking for two-sided duplex printing, then the HP Envy 4520 Wireless All-in-One Photo Printer can be an excellent choice. It is one of those inkjet printers that can be used from anywhere, thanks to the wireless printing option. You will be able to copy, print, and scan easily for screen printing. 

Why Did We Like It?

To begin with, the product offers a convenient printing method with a touch panel placed in front. This will allow you to print transparencies, coloring book pages, notebook paper, calendars, and mazes as well. Also, you can print borderless pictures of four to six inches and documents up to 8.5 x 22 inches. 

That is not all, you can use the HP ePrint app to connect the printer to your smartphone or tablet. Also, you can print via AirPrint through your iPhone or iPad from anywhere through wireless direct printing. 

Moving on to the warranty, the brand offers a one-year limited warranty along with 24/7 web support. In case of any issues, you can call them immediately and get them fixed. 

What Could've Been Better?

While the inkjet printer is not very expensive, we found that the ink is pretty costly, and you will have to pay more than 50% of the price of the printer for it. Hence, while you can enjoy maximum print resolution, only purchase this if you can pay for the ink without going over the budget. 

5. Brother Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer - Best for Continuous Printing

Do you live a very busy life and often forget to order ink on time? Now, you never need to run out of ink as the Brother Wireless All-In-One MFC-J895DW Inkjet Printer has Amazon Dash Replenishment enabled. Read on to know more about this feature. 

Why Did We Like It?

The Amazon Dash Replenishment will keep measuring the amount of ink remaining in the system and place an order for more ink when needed. Hence, you can focus on the screen printing process while the wireless printer takes care of the ink. 

Another top feature is NFC or Near-field communication. You will not require any network setup, and you can make use of the “one touch to connect” option. This should make the scanning and printing process easier. 

Moreover, you can enjoy Cloud connectivity, which involves printing and scanning from all Cloud services, including OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive. Printing transparencies will no more be a difficult job with this inkjet printer. 

Moreover, you can enjoy affordable printing with the two-sided automatic printing device. You can use high-yield replacement ink cartridges for high-quality prints. 

What Could've Been Better?

When this inkjet printer first arrived, we were unable to understand where the power cord was. Then we realized that the cord was wrapped around inside the printer. If you are unable to figure out how to set it up or find the cord, just check Youtube for setup videos. There are some options that will walk you through the process. 

6. Canon Pixma Wireless All-In-One Photo Printer

Now that we have reached the middle of this list; it is time to introduce the Canon Pixma TS6320 Wireless All-In-One Photo Printer. This offers Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, and you can print from anywhere. We were able to get exceptional print quality along with auto paper width detection.

Why Did We Like It?

One of the best features here is the auto expandable output tray, which makes it perfect for tablet and smartphone printing. Your printer may be powered off, but when you press the print button, it automatically powers on, and the auto expandable output tray extends in front. It can then catch the printed transparency film and prevent it from falling off. 

Another key feature is the five individual ink systems. Now, a major problem with inkjet printers is that when one color ink finishes, you generally have to replace the entire cartridge. But with this system, once a specific ink tank empties, you can replace it with a new cartridge. This saves ink, providing an affordable option. 

Moreover, a 1.44 inches OLED display along with a LED status bar should help in understanding the print status and navigating as well. 

What Could've Been Better?

While the print quality may be amazing, this device is not made for high-volume printing. There is no automatic document feeder, and you will have to do it manually. But if you do not want to print in bulk, then this is going to offer you the best printing solution. 

7. WorkForce Wireless Color Inkjet Printer

Another brilliant option that offers quick printing is the WorkForce WF-7710 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer. It is an all-in-one model used to fax, scan, copy, and print. You can now enjoy multiple connectivity options that will make your job much easier. 

Why Did We Like It?

We were impressed by the PrecisionCore technology, which allowed us to create borderless prints up to a size of 13 x 19 inches. Adding to the benefits, the product has a paper tray with a capacity of holding 250 sheets or 20 photo paper and transparency film. It can even hold ten envelopes for printing. 

Additionally, the printer works pretty fast and has a speed of six ppm for color printing along with 8.7 ppm for black and white printing. It also allows double-sided printing, saving paper in case of documents. 

Moving on to the operation, you can see and input all the necessary details on the 4.3 inches color touch screen located right in front of the printer. Also, the product will allow wireless printing, and you can easily send pictures and documents from iPad, tablets, Android, and Apple smartphones. 

What Could've Been Better?

The only problem that we noticed with this printer is that the ink does not last long. We printed around 50 transparencies, and the ink ran out midway. It then had to be replaced with a new bottle to finish the task. So, we will recommend this for home use but not for office use because the costs might rise when used a lot. 

8. HP OfficeJet Pro All-in-One Printer

If you are looking to print on large transparencies, then the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 All-in-One Printer may be the perfect option. It is a wide-format printer that offers wireless and borderless printing. Thanks to this, we could copy, scan, and fax along with print through one device. 

Why Did We Like It?

As we already mentioned, this product offers wide format printing up to a size of 11 x 17 inches. You can also use it for two-sided duplex printing, making it ideal for professional use by small businesses. 

Moreover, like most of the printers mentioned on this list, this one comes with wireless connectivity, and you can use it from anywhere using the HP Smart App. The app will help in setting up the printer, scanning from your phone, printing from Google Cloud, DropBox, and iCloud, as well as ordering toner. 

The device also has a high printing speed of 22 ppm for black, reducing 50% of costs per print compared to laser printers.  

On top of it, it has a paper input capacity of 500 pages, and it allows printing on all kinds of paper, including transparencies. You can easily get your design printed and then transferred to t-shirts as needed. 

What Could've Been Better?

The phone-based scanner will only scan single sides and not both sides. This may be time-consuming if you are planning to scan a lot of images that need to be printed. However, if you are scanning designs for screen printing transparencies, then this should not pose a problem as you will not require to scan both sides.

9. Canon Pixma Professional Inkjet Printer

While looking for the best printer for screen printing black and white images, we came across the Canon Pixma Pro-100 Color Professional Inkjet Printer. It uses eight dye-based inks, and three of them are dedicated to grayscale printing. Hence, you can get the perfect shades and have them screen printed as needed. 

Why Did We Like It?

Out of all the suitable printers on this list, we found this to be a great choice for black-and-white printing because of the black, cyan, and light gray ink used. Other than these, magenta, photo cyan, yellow, and photo magenta are used for great-quality images. Moreover, it offers 4800 x 2400 dots per inch, and you can print images of 12 x 19 inches easily. 

That is not all, the product comes with an auto document feeder, which can hold 20 photo paper or transparencies. If you are working with plain paper, then 150 sheets can be kept in the tray. 

Besides, the Optimum Image Generating System will help you reproduce the exact colors in the image on the transparency film by selecting the right combination of colors. 

What Could've Been Better?

After working with this printer for around ten months, we noticed that one of the colors had clogged the print head. We tried to purchase a cleaning kit and remove the clog, but it could not be done. The process is difficult, and you may have to ask for a replacement head from the company, which can be expensive. 

10. Brother Inkjet Printer

Next, we have a product that will not burn a hole in your pockets. The Brother Inkjet Printer, MFC-J985DW ensures cost-effective services by reducing the costs of each color page a lot. You can even enjoy a printing speed of 10 ppm while at work. 

Why Did We Like It?

The inkjet printer will offer you wireless connectivity, and you can print and scan virtually from any place that has WiFi connectivity. Also, it offers two-sided printing and can be connected to mobiles, desktops, laptops, and tablets. 

And, the best part is the INKvestment ink cartridges that are provided with the pack. You will get four of them, which can print 1,200 color pages or 4,200 black and white pages. 

Moreover, it is equipped with Amazon Dash Replenishment, and the toner level will be measured after every print. Also, new ones will be ordered from Amazon when the toner level goes down. 

Along with it, you will get a two-year limited warranty and free support on the phone, chat, and email. We found the customer service to be very helpful, and you can call them if you have any issues with the installation or the product services. 

What Could've Been Better?

While using this product, we found one minor drawback that should be noted. The printer often uses two pieces of paper at a time, and you may find a few blank pages in the printed set. However, this should not be a problem while printing transparencies because they are generally thicker than paper. 

11. Epson Expression Photo HD

Up next, we have another wide-format printer that can work well for larger images. The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 has a high printing speed and can allow you to print A3 plus images. It is the perfect option for professional projects and can be used in offices and small business organizations. 

Why Did We Like It?

This is an ultra-compact printer that can fit on your desktop easily. And, it comes with a rear tray made for specialty media. You can use transparencies along with cardstock and get borderless prints up to 13 x 9 inches. 

That is not all. There are six individual Claria photo HD ink cartridges that will give you an ultra-wide color gamut. This is possible because of the separate red and gray ink provided with the pack. You can also get perfect black-and-white prints on transparencies with the right printer settings. 

Adding on, you can enjoy the benefits of Dash replenishment and have inks ordered in time. 

Moving on to settings, the product comes with a CD-ROM for setup, and you will not need any help. Also, you get a cleaning sheet with the pack to use when needed. 

What Could've Been Better?

If you are printing a number of black-and-white pictures, then be a little careful. The printer will stop printing even if one ink bottle is over. So, you will have to first refill and only then begin working. Hence, this printer works well if you are planning to print color images that use all the colors equally. 

12. Epson Stylus Inkjet Printer

A printer for screen printing should be able to provide smudge-free images, and the Epson Stylus C88+ Inkjet Printer fits the bill. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows devices, and you can print conveniently. We found this to be a compact option that can be kept almost anywhere.

Why Did We Like It?

This model offers borderless printing in sizes of 4 x 6 inches, 5 x 7 inches, 8 x 10 inches, and 8.5 x 11 inches. If you are screen printing on t-shirts, these are good sizes for the job. 

Coming to the speed of the printer, it offers 23 PPI for color paper and 14 PPI for monochrome prints. There are individual color cartridges, and you can replace the empty ones when needed. You do not have to replace all the cartridges, and you can thus save ink and money

Also, the printer has editing software included, which will allow you to make photo books, calendars, and more. This is an interesting addition and can save time in creating formats. 

What Could've Been Better?

While this product works well, it does not offer WiFi connectivity, and you will not be able to operate this from elsewhere. One will have to connect the printer to a laptop or a desktop through a USB port to work with the printer.

13. Xerox Phaser Color Printer

The Xerox Phaser 6510/DN Color Printer is one of our final suggestions, and it is well known for its excellent image quality. You can print 30 pages every minute, making it one of the quickest printers on this list. Read on to know more about the bells and whistles offered. 

Why Did We Like It?

The brand provides USB and Ethernet connectivity and supports Apple AirPrint. Also, you can print your emails, documents, and photos from several mobile devices. However, you might need to connect an additional adapter to enjoy the WiFi connectivity. 

On top of it, the brand is very concerned about security and comes with Secure Print along with IPsec, SNMPv3, and IP Filtering. This will make sure that sensitive documents are not viewed by unintended recipients. 

That is not all, the product has a 250 paper capacity, and you can enjoy two-sided printing in case of documents. Also, there is a USB port near the front side, making it easier to connect to other devices. 

Along with it, the product is equipped with Amazon Dash Replenishment services. You can save 10% of the ink or toner value with this. So, there is no need to keep a watch over the ink as the device will do that for you. 

What Could've Been Better?

When we first received the product, we found the installation process to be pretty complicated. While it did not take us long to understand the general instructions, we faced difficulties with the two-sided printing process. But, you can always call up customer care for help, and they can guide you through the steps. 

Best Printer For Screen Printing Transparencies Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best Printer For Screen Printing Transparencies

The best printer for screen printing transparency is the one that offers you high-quality prints without being too expensive. Also, they should be easy to handle, and you should not have to spend time adjusting the system after every print. We decided to create a list of all the important features that can help with what needs to be kept in mind before making a purchase. 

Read on to know all about them. 

1. Sheet Capacity

The last thing that you would want while printing sheets is to keep loading at intervals. This involves disruption of other work and may slow down the entire process of screen printing transparencies. 

Hence, we will always recommend products that have a 150-sheet capacity. If you are purchasing a printer for home use, then the minimum sheet capacity should be 150 to 200. For a professional printer meant for office use, the higher the sheet capacity, the better. 

2. Print Quality

The entire purpose fails if the print quality is not up to the mark. The best inkjet printers will always offer you high-quality transparencies, which can then be used for screen printing. The color should be bold and clear for monochrome printing, while for color printing, the color needs to be vibrant. 

3. Ink

The print quality largely depends on the kind of ink being used for the job. While you may want to opt for a budget ink option for bulk office printing or document printing, this will not work out for transparencies. 

Screen printing requires the ink to be bright and of high quality. Now, some printers have separate ink tanks for different colors, and we found this to be a beneficial option. You can replace a specific color after it has finished without having to replace the entire cartridge. 

4. Paper Jams

Paper jams are very annoying, and you may lose ink and valuable paper because of them. Hence, keep a watch while working with inkjet printers, and see if the paper gets jammed often. If it is so, you can call up customer care and ask for a replacement. 

3. Purpose

What is your purpose for purchasing an inkjet printer? If you are only looking at screen printers, then you will need to purchase one which offers brilliant picture quality without making too much noise. A screen print needs to be bright, and the colors should be deep so that they can be transferred to products. 

However, if you are looking at document and borderless photo printing, then you should purchase one which offers double-sided printing. This will save time and paper by printing on both sides simultaneously. 

4. Cloud Printing

Most printers nowadays can be connected to Cloud and will be compatible with OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive. Also, you can enable mobile printing by connecting the printer to your phone or tablet through an app. This will let you print from anywhere easily. 

But, please remember that you can only work with such printers from anywhere if you have WiFi access. Otherwise, the devices come with USB ports, which will let you connect the product directly to the desktop or laptop. 

Printers For Screen Printing Transparencies FAQ's

What features should I look for in a printer for screen printing transparencies?

When selecting a printer for screen printing transparencies, consider the following features: high resolution (preferably 1200 dpi or higher), color accuracy, compatibility with transparency film or acetate sheets, fast printing speed, and reliable inkjet or laser technology.

Can I use any printer to print transparencies for screen printing?

Not all printers are suitable for printing transparencies for screen printing. It is important to choose a printer that is specifically designed for this purpose, as it will have the necessary features and settings to ensure accurate and opaque prints on transparency film.

What type of ink is used for printing screen printing transparencies?

Most printers for screen printing transparencies use pigment-based inks or specialized screen printing inks. These inks provide excellent opacity and color saturation on transparency films, ensuring clear and crisp prints.

How do I ensure accurate registration when printing screen printing transparencies?

To achieve accurate registration, ensure that your printer has precise media handling capabilities, such as adjustable paper guides and registration marks. Additionally, use software or printer settings that allow you to align and position the design accurately on the transparency film.

Can I use a laser printer for screen printing transparencies?

Yes, laser printers can be used for screen printing transparencies. However, it is important to check the printer’s compatibility with transparency films and ensure that it can produce opaque prints with good toner adhesion.

Printer For Screen Printing Transparencies Frequently Asked Questions?

What types of printers is suitable for printing on transparencies?

Inkjet printers are your best bet to print transparencies as they do not allow ink smudges. Now, a lot of consumers like laser printers for daily use, but let us tell you that if you use them for printing transparencies, the result may look messy and smudged. 

Laser printers are good for high-speed and high-volume printing, but they do not provide high-quality images. The images are of lower resolution, and light can pass through, which cannot be used for screen printing T-shirts or plastic bags. 

However, inkjet printers will provide more color depth and will ensure that the light does not pass through the t-shirt while screen printing. 

How can I print on transparency film?

You will usually find the transparency option when choosing the paper quality or paper type. Just go to printing options, and you should be able to locate it. However, if there is no transparency option, then you can opt for glossy paper as your paper quality. It should work the same, and you can get the job done. 

Conclusion

The best printer for screen printing transparencies will allow you to save time and money in printing. And, the list we provided above should help you in getting the best printer for your screen printing business. However, if you are still confused, let us take you through our top choices. The HP ENVY Wireless All-in-One Printer is the easiest to use via Wi-Fi connectivity. But, if you are looking for an affordable model, then the Epson EcoTank Color Printer will be perfect for the job. 

And, the Brother Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer has Amazon dash replenishment installed for busy individuals. Hope you have a great experience with the printer that you choose. Also, you can learn more about how to separate colors for screen printing online. 

All the best with screen printing! 

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